So a Nuddist, a Buddhist and a Tattooist walk into a bar…

Standard

1. Be Impeccable With Your WordSpeak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything PersonallyNothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make AssumptionsFind the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your BestYour best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Taken From The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz

I first read The Four Agreements in 2001 and I find myself revisiting it often. While simple by design, I lose sight of the principles. Living has a way of imposing amnesia. Therefore, I read it at least once a year.

This year this book brought me closer to a childhood friend. We had reconnected on Facebook and I immediately felt a spiritual connection to her. She had experienced health challenges and was exploring a holistic approach. We had talked at length about everything from the many benefits of honey (her obsession) to kombucha (mine). When The Four Agreements came up in discussion, somehow I knew we’d have lots to talk about. Holistic health and spiritual consciousness have a tendency to go together. :)

Our online conversation left us wanting to connect deeper. We also wanted to expand the discussion and include other like-minded women. At that moment we breathed life into our retreat.

I eventually posted an “all call”. I figured those who needed it would connect. My Facebook friends know that I am a little ‘out there’. A weekend with me is definitely going to be fun but it also means healthy eating, activity, and stimulating conversation. Maybe not what most people have in mind when it comes a girls weekend away. I can’t say I was surprised at who answered the call. I have an intimate group of behind the scene supporters. I got an inbox message showing interest from each one of them. Unfortunately, when all was said and done, only one of those ladies was able to come. She invited two friends (one I had met briefly on a run). I was going my beach trip with women I hardly knew. Cool.

What happened this past weekend was nothing short of magical. It is hard to put into words how it feels to be in a completely loving environment: free of judgment, full of support, and a healthy dose of accountability. <—– How often has that happened to you with a group of women? Me… uhhhh…. NEVER.

Did I mention that these women were all beautiful? Pop a quarter off her glutes, Marilyn Monroe bombshell, baby’s breathe Angelic, and Glamazon (can’t take credit for that one) BEAUTIFUL. It is as if their inner spirit can’t contain itself: It spills over into their smiles, their hair, their soul-full eyes.

We prepared meals with health in mind. From gluten-free lasagna to quinoa with blueberries; our bellies and our hearts stayed full.

Sorry….that’s an inside joke between me and these amazing ladies. I will tell you this: although our backgrounds and current lifestyles covered the spectrum, I couldn’t have imagined a deeper connection.

Check out our experience from Lisa’s perspective here. While you are one her blog check out her story. She is radiant.